by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 74 U.S. colleges awarded 5,553 degrees and certificates in Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificates are the most popular award, at 57% of graduates. College Factual ranks 57 schools in its 2027 Best Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $45,614 one year after completing, rising to $56,491 after four years.
A major in Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants covers Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing And Nursing Assistants, Other. Any Instructional Program In Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, And Nursing Assistants Not Listed Above.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants is a widely-pursued major, with 5,553 degrees awarded annually. 74 colleges award other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants degrees, an average of 75 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 749.
By level, the 5,553 awards include 3,153 certificates, 585 associate degrees, 11 bachelor’s degrees, 77 master’s degrees and 3 doctorates.
Women earned 89% of other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants degrees and certificates in the latest year (4,923 of 5,553). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are Black or African American (2,920) and Hispanic or Latino (998), and international students earned 16.
College Factual ranks 57 schools in its 2027 Best Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Schools ranking, including 2 for associate degrees. It also ranks other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants schools within 1 state. In all, 74 colleges offer other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants credential is the certificate: 3,153 of the 5,553 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants call most for Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness and Coordination, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, English Language and Psychology, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Problem Sensitivity and Oral Expression.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 3,153 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 585 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 11 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 77 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 3 |
Some college courses is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants, at 37.4%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Some college courses | 37.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 34.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 15.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.2% |
| First professional degree | 0.1% |
| Master’s degree | 0.1% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, with an average median salary of $72,934; the strongest outlook belongs to Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, at 14.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Radiation Oncology Nurse, Long Term Care LPN (Long Term Care Licensed Practical Nurse), Private Duty Nurse and Charge Nurse.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants, at 3,176,121.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 3,176,121 | 14.4% |
| Nursing Assistants | 87,005 | -4.1% |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants graduates earn a median $45,614 one year after completing their program, $56,491 after four years and $48,140 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $45,614 |
| 4 years | $56,491 |
| 5 years | $48,140 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to other practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants, with a median salary of $118,810.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $118,810 |
| Nursing Assistants | $27,058 |
Other Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants has 2 similar majors in the Health Professions field, which together award 104,579 degrees a year; the largest are Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training (55,090) and Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide (49,489). Browse all Health Professions majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training | 55,090 |
| Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide | 49,489 |
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